A restaurant conceived as a total immersion in Emirati culinary culture, designed by Bone Studio in Abu Dhabi — where the kitchen is elevated to a theatrical centrepiece and every surface, from walls to ceilings, is wrapped in a continuous skin of cream-toned clay.
products in use
about this project
Located in the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi, Erth Restaurant is an immersive dining experience in the old Emirati culinary and cultural practices. The space is conceived to celebrate traditional Emirati Cuisine, where the cooking act is elevated to a theatrical performance. The architectural layout revolves around the kitchen, designed as a central volume with strategic ‘pockets’ that frame the rhythmic preparation of heritage staples—from the baking of tanoor and rgag bread to the ritual of traditional coffee.
The design is conceived to envelop the visitor in a total-look material immersion, achieved through the seamless application of MATTEOBRIONI finishes. Walls, pillars, beams, and ceilings are finished with MBTerra Natural Wabi clay plaster in a Panna (cream) tone, while the visual continuity extends to the floors and external sloping surfaces made of MBTecnica Floor Structured system. This minimalist approach honors raw, natural textures by preserving the site’s original concrete skeleton and treating the raised floor as a sculptural slab from which intimate seating areas are carved.
The project’s authentic character is further defined by the contrast between the kitchen volume—crafted from acid-washed steel and natural travertine—and the introduction of softer elements like greenery and fabrics to create a sense of enclosure. Strategically curated lighting enhances the material composition, capturing the subtle variations of the clay textures and highlighting the depth of the earth finishes throughout the day.
Photography: Oculis Project
In real spaces
